Skip to main content

Men's Rugby Union Israel Folau sacked after posting homophobic views on social media

RUGBY AUSTRALIA (RA) and New South Wales terminated Israel Folau’s contract over discriminatory social media posts, the union announced in a statement.

RA said today that it plans to terminate the fullback’s contract with the national team after he made homophobic comments on social media for the second year in a row.

When Folau made similar remarks on April 5 2018, he escaped with a warning but no sanction. Now, only five months from the start of the Rugby World Cup in Japan, where Folau was expected to be one of Australia’s leading players, Rugby Australia wasn’t so lenient.

RA chief executive Raelene Castle said in a statement that she and NSW Rugby Union head Andrew Hore made “repeated attempts” to contact Folau directly and via his representatives today, but that he failed to communicate with them.

“As a code we have made it clear to Israel formally and repeatedly that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action,” Castle said. “In the absence of compelling mitigating factors, it is our intention to terminate his contract.”

Folau, one of the sport’s top players, published a message on his Instagram account late on Wednesday saying that hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators.”

Castle said that while Folau was entitled to his religious beliefs, “the way in which he has expressed these beliefs is inconsistent with the values of the sport. We want to make it clear that he does not speak for the game with his recent social media posts.”

“Israel has failed to understand … that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality,” Castle said.

Australian airline Qantas, a national team sponsor, issued a statement early today saying Folau’s comments “clearly don’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support.”

Folau has also publicly aired his opposition to same-sex marriage.

The 30-year-old Folau has 316,000 Instagram followers. By late afternoon, the controversial post had received 14,700 likes and 13,800 comments.

Folau has played 73 test matches for Australia. Last weekend while playing for the New South Wales Waratahs, Folau scored his 60th try, the most of any player in Super Rugby, breaking the record of former New Zealand winger Doug Howlett.

Two months ago, Folau signed a multimillion-dollar contract extension to remain with the Waratahs and Australian rugby until the end of 2022. Australian media had reported previously that Folau would walk away from any contract if his religious opinions and views on homosexuality were silenced.

Before Rugby Australia’s statement, some contemplated that Folau again made the homophobic comments so he could be released from the new long-term deal.

There were reports that he again might take up a rugby league contract, one of three football codes, including Australian Rules football, that he has played.

Former England rugby international Joe Marler, who plays for London club Harlequins, mocked Folau by posting two images of men kissing. Another former England international, James Haskell, wrote to Folau on Twitter and said: “Sport has no place for this … keep it to hate groups. You are an unreal player, but a … misinformed bigot.”

Former Wales rugby player Gareth Thomas, who announced he was gay in 2009, wrote on Twitter that people should “not be influenced” by Folau’s words and that Thomas had “sympathy” for Folau.

Britain-based LGBT charity Stonewall supported Rugby Australia’s move.

“Folau’s comments are just one example of how much work is still left to do to combat discrimination and the use of hateful language against lesbian, gay, bi and trans [gender] people,” said Kirsty Clarke, the director of sport at Stonewall.

International Gay Rugby, the global organisation for gay and inclusive rugby clubs, welcomed the news.

Chair Ben Owen said: “The decision by Rugby Australia and the NSW Rugby Union today upholds rugby’s core values of respect and sportsmanship.

“Rugby has become one of the most inclusive sports on the planet, where players, spectators and officials, regardless of their ability, race, age, sexual orientation or gender identity and expression can enjoy the game without fear of discrimination by others.

“When someone like Folau makes statements like this, it sends a message that members of the LGBT community are less-than and it can have irreparable harm.

“On behalf of our gay and inclusive rugby community, we hope the decision made today sends a clear message to the world, that any kind of discrimination has no place in our sport.”

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today